Patients that have been diagnosed with seizure disorders often had two or more unprovoked (natural causes) seizures. These natural causes include metabolic imbalances in one’s body or genetic factors. There are two types of seizures: focal (partial) and generalized (epilepsy seizure animation). The former is classified as a seizure that originates from one part of your brain before spreading to other areas The latter is classified as a seizure that originates from both sides of your brain, at the same time. Seizure disorders are known to affect both children and adults
Signs and symptoms
- The scary, intense feeling that a seizure is about to begin
- Déjà vu
- Butterflies in the stomach
- Abnormal tastes or smells
- Visual hallucinations
- Convulsion
- Inability to speak
- Headache
Note: these are just a few signs and symptoms provided for informational purposes. Do not attempt self-diagnosis based on this list.
Treatment
Although an exact cure for a seizure disorder is not available yet, there are a variety of treatments that medical professionals use to help you prevent and avoid having seizures. Common medications used for this purpose include carbamazepine and phenytoin . These antiepileptics are designed to reduce excess electrical activity in your brain. If the cause of the seizure is identified and eliminated, you will not require additional treatment. Vagal Nerve Stimulation or VNS is an additional therapy used to treat seizure disorders. For the more severe cases, surgical options to remove that part of your brain where your seizures begin become necessary when medication or VNS remain ineffective (see our epilepsy page).
Northern Neurology Specialties, Dr. Jill Bressler -Seizure Disorder Treatment
Northern Neurology Specialties and Dr. Bressler have years of experience diagnosing, treating and maintaining individuals with seizure disorders. Our-state-of -the art technology enables us to rule out or diagnose precise location(s) of abnormal cortical activity. Your treatment plan will vary depending on severity and responses to treatment.
If you, or a loved one, have, or suspect you may have, a seizure disorder, contact us today and schedule an appointment.